LOGIN“For a bit.”“A bit?”“Ten minutes.”“You said you’d shift!”“I lied.”“I hate you.”“No, you don't.”“I'm reconsidering.”I grin and head into the forest. For the first few minutes, Poppy complains about the incline and the mud and the fact that nobody thought to mention her new home required ‘fuck
** Alaric’s POV ** Leaving Phoenix was harder for them than I expected. There were tears. Too many hugs. Several threats about how often Paige intended to visit, and one from Callen that sounded suspiciously like he planned to move in if Poppy didn't come back often enough. Eventually, we got in th
I pick up the bag. Leaving Phoenix still hurts, but Poppy was right. Leaving doesn't always mean running away. Sometimes it means choosing where you're going next.“Please tell me that's not all you're taking.”Poppy stands in the doorway to her room, a bag hanging from her shoulder and a suitcase b
** Jake’s POV ** I have absolutely no idea how to pack up a life. My first attempt involves three medical textbooks, two pairs of jeans, my stethoscope, four chargers, a first-aid kit, and my lab coat. I stare into the open bag on my bed. This is ridiculous.The cabin feels different already, but n
“You absolutely have,” Leo laughs.I point at him. “You're still my patient.”“Terrifying.”I look back at Alaric.“What equipment does he have?”“I have no bloody idea. Medical shit.”“Of course you don’t,” I sigh.“I can ask him.”“Don't bother. I'll see when I get there.”The words leave my mouth
** Jake’s POV **A knock sounds at the clinic door.“Come in,” I call. The door creaks opens, and Alaric steps inside.Leo groans. “Oh good. Another Alpha, we just got rid of the other two.”“Nice to see you alive too,” Alaric smirks.“Everyone keeps saying that. It’s getting old.”“Probably becaus
** Paige’s POV **They’re all looking at me.My mates, Jake and Poppy, Ronnie still clutching his book like it’s going to answer every question we haven’t even thought of yet, and Jaxon. My sweet Jax, he looks at me like I’ve just told him I’ve bought the entire Lego shop.Outside, nine wolves stand
“I don't have a name, but I just know. I think… I’m something that shouldn’t exist,” I admit.Callen swears. “Fantastic. I love that for us.”Jake clears his throat shakily. “Paige, the visions could be a trauma response or magical memory bleed-through. You need to breathe.”“I am breathing,” I whis
“I’ve got you,” Leo says, and for the first time in what feels like forever, my brain actually hears it.Leo settles on the floor beside the sofa. He lets out a breath, looking uncomfortable. He’s an enforcer, a warrior. Not a doctor or therapist, but he tries anyway. He places one hand lightly over
The thought should scare me; it doesn’t.“Is everyone safe?” I ask finally. “The pack?”There’s a pause before Callen answers. “Most of them. We lost nine. The rest made it to Midnight.”Nine. I swallow the grief that swells in my throat. Every death weighs on us, but tonight… tonight they were mine







